2 die on Victoria streets little more than an hour apart as Island Health issues drug toxicity warning

Two individuals tragically passed away in Victoria within a short period of time, as confirmed by the Victoria police and the B.C. Coroners Service. These deaths have brought attention to the challenges faced by support workers in providing assistance to those in need on the city’s streets, particularly in light of the enforcement of anti-sheltering bylaws. A local outreach worker, Karen Mills, has expressed her concerns about the impact of these bylaw enforcement efforts on the vulnerable population, citing the recent deaths as a result of drug overdoses.

The B.C. Coroners Service has indicated that the cause of these deaths is still under investigation, with a third individual having also passed away in downtown Victoria on March 8. In response to these tragic events, Island Health has issued an advisory warning of an increased risk to individuals using unregulated substances on the South Island, as drug poisonings are on the rise in Greater Victoria.

Karen Mills, founder of Peer 2 Peer Indigenous Society, has expressed her dismay at the loss of two individuals with whom she had a personal connection through her outreach work. She highlighted the challenges faced by those living unhoused and with addictions, particularly due to the displacement caused by the enforcement efforts. Mills emphasized the importance of providing support and resources to prevent further tragedies within the community.

Correne Antrobus, the B.C. lead for Holding Hope, echoed these sentiments, noting that the street sweeps initiated by the city have exacerbated the ongoing toxic drug crisis. By pushing individuals to use substances alone, these enforcement actions have led to an increase in fatal outcomes, as observed in a previous cluster of deaths in November. Antrobus has raised her concerns with the City of Victoria, urging for a more compassionate and effective approach to supporting those in need.

In response to these criticisms, Colleen Mycroft, manager of media relations for the City of Victoria, emphasized that bylaw officers work to enforce overnight sheltering rules while maintaining positive relationships with local health, housing, and outreach organizations. She noted that impounding personal property is considered a last resort and is done only if individuals repeatedly fail to comply with officers’ directives. The city aims to treat each person as a unique individual, tailoring their approach accordingly.

The recent deaths have prompted a call for action within the community, with plans for a memorial service to be held in honor of the individuals who have passed away. Karen Mills and other outreach workers intend to commemorate the lives lost and advocate for greater support and understanding for those struggling with homelessness and addiction. Despite the challenges faced, they remain committed to providing assistance and resources to prevent further tragedies in the future.